That Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will follow in her grandmother Indira Gandhi’s footsteps is an expectation that never leaves Congress’s newest office bearer.The newly appointed AICC general secretary for east UP has many “fans” across the state even before she has begun any groundwork.But, most feel it is still a long way before Priyanka can make any difference to the fate of the struggling party, at least in UP.With the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party joining hands, even diehard Congress supporters feel it is an uphill task for Priyanka in breaking the strength of caste-oriented politics of these two parties.“I am a great admirer of Priyanka. I even wish to join the Congress when she visits Azamgarh,” says Dr Mohammed Shahid.“I believe she has the potential to revive the Congress, as politics is in her blood and she will follow the footprints of her grandmother. She has potential to grow the party in a better way than India Gandhi,” he says, adding, “The entry of Priyanka into active politics means Congress will get the strength and enthusiasm of young faces in the long run.”However, he is quick to add that he sees no immediate benefit for the party in Azamgarh.In nearby village Hariharpur, known for its music tradition, the topic of discussion at every tea kiosk and in every household is Priyanka’s debut in active politics.“Under her leadership, the Congress’s vote share might increase by 5-10%, but it won’t be enough to formthe government,” says Ravindra Mishra, a music teacher. “Priyanka has resemblance to India Gandhi, but the resemblance will hardly matter to turn tables. Priyanka’s magic will not work in Azamgarh, as this constituency is now under the influence of SP and BSP,” said Ajay Mishra, a singer.Farmer Sadanand Yadav also feels it is going to be impossible for Priyanka's leadership to put up a fight against the SP and BSP combine.Around Shibli National College, people from the minority community also have faith in Priyanka’s abilities and leadership. “Aj nahi to kal wahi sarkar ayegi dono jagah. Dekh lena. Priyanka party ko majboot karegi (Sooner or later Congress will form its governments both at the Centre and in the state. Priyanka will strengthen the party),” says college staff Mohammed Munawwar.His acquaintances Mohammad Shadab and Zishan Ahmad also say that Congress’s good time begins with her entry, but they also believe that Azamgarh will remain the stronghold of SP and BSP.“Congress will get a new energy under her leadership. She has potential to fulfil the aspirations of the people who want a change in circumstances,” said Mohammed Umair, a senior research fellow at Shibli Academy.“It is true that the old base of Congress has been lost, but the root is still there. It is a challenging task to break the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but the efforts made by Rahul Gandhi resulted in the revival of Congress,” he adds.Agreeing with him, trader Ashutosh Rungta and social worker Umesh Singh Guddu also see a new lease of life for Congress under Priyanka’s leadership but are sceptical when it comes to the possibility of her cracking Azamgarh's political equations hovering around SP and BSP. That is also the sentiment echoed by people from various walks of life in this town.

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